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Fully Funded PhD in Protection and Sustainability of Environmental and Built Systems – University of Molise, Italy (Cycle XLII, 2026/2027)

PhD position

8/7/2026

The University of Molise (Università degli Studi del Molise, UNIMOL) has opened applications for its fully funded PhD in Protection and Sustainability of Environmental and Built Systems for the 42nd PhD Cycle (XLII, Academic Year 2026/2027).

This is a competitive, scholarship‑based doctoral call with a gross annual stipend of approximately €19,000 per year for 4 years (plus research and travel support), open to Italian and international candidates who hold a relevant Master’s degree in environmental, civil, architectural, or related engineering and planning fields.

Position snapshot

  • Institution: University of Molise (UNIMOL), Campobasso, Italy

  • Programme: PhD in Protection and Sustainability of Environmental and Built Systems (Cycle XLII, 2026/2027)

  • Level: PhD / Doctorate (4‑year full‑time programme)

  • Funding: Fully funded PhD scholarships (approx. €19,000 gross/year for 4 years + research/travel budget)

  • Start date: 1 November 2026 (activities run for 4 years)

  • Deadline (official): 24 August 2026, 11:59 PM CEST (Italian time)

  • Application portal: University of Molise Student Portal – https://unimol.esse3.cineca.it/Start.do


About the PhD programme

The PhD in Protection and Sustainability of Environmental and Built Systems is part of UNIMOL’s 42nd Cycle of doctoral programmes and focuses on environmental protection, sustainable infrastructure, resilient built environments, and integrated territorial planning.

The programme is designed for candidates interested in advanced research on topics such as:

  • Environmental risk assessment, natural hazards, and climate adaptation.

  • Sustainable urban and regional planning, green infrastructure, and landscape management.

  • Structural engineering, earthquake engineering, and resilience of buildings and infrastructure.

  • Water resources management, hydrogeological risk, and coastal/marine systems.

  • Energy efficiency, circular economy, and sustainability of the built environment.

The official call includes a detailed Annex A that specifies curricula, available positions, any defined research topics, and whether positions come with a UNIMOL scholarship (including the higher‑value 4‑year scholarships for this programme). Candidates can apply for open‑topic positions (where they propose their own research within the programme’s scope) or, where available, positions tied to specific research projects or external funding.

Funding and financial support

Selected candidates will receive fully funded PhD scholarships with the following core features:

  • Annual scholarship amount: Approximately €19,000 gross per year for 4 years (before social security contributions payable by the recipient), disbursed in monthly instalments in arrears.

  • Duration: 4 years, with annual confirmation subject to satisfactory progress as verified by the Academic Board.

  • Tuition and fees: PhD programmes at UNIMOL are tuition‑free; the scholarship effectively covers the cost of doctoral study.

  • Research and travel budget: Additional funds are typically allocated to support research activities, conference participation, and short‑term research visits abroad (exact amounts and conditions are defined in the official call and programme regulations).

  • Social security and benefits: Scholarship holders are subject to Italian social security contributions; health coverage is generally ensured through the Italian system and/or residence‑permit arrangements for international students.

This funding model makes the positions accessible to both Italian and international candidates, provided they meet the eligibility and income criteria specified in the call.

Who should apply

The Protection and Sustainability of Environmental and Built Systems call is open to Italian and international applicants who hold (or will hold by the enrolment deadline) a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field.

Academic background

Eligible candidates should have a Master’s degree in one of the following or closely related fields:

  • Civil Engineering / Environmental Engineering

  • Architectural Engineering / Architecture (with technical focus)

  • Urban and Regional Planning / Territorial Planning

  • Environmental Sciences (with engineering/planning focus)

  • Geology / Geotechnical Engineering (with hazard and risk focus)

  • Related disciplines (e.g., Energy Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Infrastructure Management)


Skills and attributes

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

  • Strong academic record and genuine interest in research on environmental protection, sustainable infrastructure, and resilient built systems.

  • Ability to work independently, manage a multi‑year research project, and produce high‑quality written outputs (thesis, articles, reports).

  • Good written and spoken English (and/or Italian, depending on the specific curriculum and supervisor requirements).

  • Motivation to pursue a research career in academia, industry R&D (engineering consultancies, planning firms, environmental agencies), public sector, or international organizations.

Prior research experience (e.g., Master’s thesis, research assistantships, publications in environmental, civil, or planning fields) is highly desirable.

How to apply (step‑by‑step)

  1. Access the online application portal

  2. Complete the online form

    • Select the PhD in Protection and Sustainability of Environmental and Built Systems programme.

    • Choose the curriculum and, if applicable, the specific scholarship or project you are applying for.

    • Fill in all required fields and upload your documents as instructed.

  3. Pay any required application fee

    • Follow the instructions to pay the non‑refundable application fee (if applicable, typically via PagoPA); applications are considered incomplete without this payment.

  4. Submit before the deadline

    • Ensure your application is fully submitted no later than 24 August 2026, 11:59 PM CEST (Italian time).

    • The system will automatically close at the deadline; late submissions are not accepted.


Deadlines and timeline

  • Application window: Online applications are currently open and close definitively on 24 August 2026, 11:59 PM CEST.

  • Application deadline: 24 August 2026, 11:59 PM CEST (Italian time).

  • Selection process: Conducted by Examination Commissions for the Protection and Sustainability programme, typically involving evaluation of CV, research proposal, academic record, and possibly interviews or written tests (details in the official call).

  • Expected start date: 1 November 2026 (4‑year duration, ending in 2030).

Given the late‑August deadline, candidates should aim to submit their applications well in advance to avoid last‑minute technical issues or document‑verification delays.

Why this opportunity stands out

The University of Molise’s PhD in Protection and Sustainability of Environmental and Built Systems offers a compelling combination of:

  • Fully funded, salary‑type support for four years, with a higher stipend (~€19,000/year) and research/travel budget.

  • Thematically rich, applied research in environmental protection, sustainable infrastructure, and resilient built environments, with direct relevance to climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.

  • International mobility and research support, including funds for conferences, research visits, and collaboration with national and international partners.

  • A vibrant academic environment in Molise, with access to interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering, architecture, planning, and environmental sciences, and strong departmental research activity.


For candidates seeking a fully funded PhD in Europe with a strong focus on environmental and built systems, sustainability, and resilience – and who are open to either open‑topic or project‑linked research – this programme at the University of Molise is one of the most attractive opportunities currently open in Italy.

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